COURSE OVERVIEW:

Switchgear assemblies represent the "muscle" of the electrical grid, responsible for both routine switching and the critical interruption of destructive fault currents. This course provides an exhaustive technical analysis of circuit breaker technology across all voltage classes, from low-voltage molded case units to high-voltage SF6 and vacuum interrupters. Participants will explore the mechanical and electrical complexities that allow these devices to extinguish intense electrical arcs within milliseconds.

The scope of this training addresses the full lifecycle of switchgear assets, including installation, commissioning, and long-term condition-based maintenance. It covers the technical nuances of various quenching media, including air, oil, vacuum, and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas. The curriculum provides a detailed focus on the secondary systems that control the breaker, including protection relays, trip coils, and charging motors, ensuring a holistic understanding of switchgear functionality.

Coverage includes the implementation of advanced diagnostic testing, such as contact resistance measurement, timing analysis, and partial discharge detection. Attendees will learn to interpret test results to predict incipient failures and to troubleshoot complex mechanical "hang-ups" or electrical "tripping" issues. By combining theoretical physics with practical maintenance workflows, the course equips professionals with the expertise required to maximize the reliability and safety of their facility's power distribution hub.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between LV, MV, and HV switchgear architectures and roles.
• Explain the physics of "Arc Interruption" in different quenching media.
• Identify all primary and secondary components of a modern circuit breaker.
• Perform detailed visual inspections of switchgear for thermal and mechanical stress.
• Execute "Contact Resistance" (Ductor) testing to verify current path integrity.
• Perform "Breaker Timing" tests to analyze opening and closing speeds.
• Conduct "Insulation Resistance" and "High-Potential" testing on switchgear.
• Maintain and troubleshoot "Spring Charging" and "Pneumatic" mechanisms.
• Manage SF6 gas handling, testing, and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot "Fail to Trip" and "Fail to Close" electrical control faults.
• Utilize "Infrared Thermography" to identify hotspots in busbar connections.
• Implement a "Reliability Centered Maintenance" (RCM) plan for switchgear.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Electrical Maintenance Engineers, Substation Technicians, Asset Managers, and Plant Electricians responsible for power distribution.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.